• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Senator Square: Carson High School's Winterfest 2020 played out nicely

Benjamin Franklin, one of the best gamers of all time said, “We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.” The adults sure could learn a thing or two from the students at CHS because Winterfest 2020 played out, pun intended, just like it was supposed to with Carson's Got Game being the theme.

Though Monday was a holiday, it is more than likely students headed up to the slopes to ski, snowboard, and play in the snow. Tuesday at CHS was a series of multiple physical board games, playground games, and video games with students dressing up in Candy Land pajamas. It was like a sleepover took place at the high school, and students arose the next day to find themselves sitting in class still wearing their nightclothes.

From a teacher’s point of view, they all looked, well, so comfortable and relaxed...too comfortable actually and too relaxed. The lunchtime activity was so much fun though because students gathered — tons of them — in the Big Gym to, well, Just Dance. Though Wednesday was college and career day, it actually looked like Tuesday all over again with students still wearing their pajamas. Thursday was favorite meme day, and it was so funny to see how many students pinned funny drawings and papers to their clothes with such hilarity and the saying, “What do you meme?” Friday, for the most part, was very colorful as students wore their class colors of blue, red, green, or yellow, everyone looking like the card game Uno.

Oh yeah, one more fun event for the week was the door decorating contest with CHS PE teacher Jarad Hagar taking 1st Place, the CHS Guidance Department taking 2nd, and Sherri Kelley taking 3rd. The lunchtime activity was a pump up the volume pep rally and, though the results are not yet in, the Senator Square nighttime activity is / was a home basketball game against the Wooster Colts. Also, between the varsity games at half-time, is the Crowning of the King and Queen of Winterfest. The Winterfest 2020 dance was Saturday night in Senator Square. Winterfest 2020 played out nicely, and there were no losers, only winners.

ANNUAL SCHOLASTIC ART AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Winners of the Annual Scholastic Art Awards was announced, and CHS had quite a showing beginning with Kara Ferrin's Photography students who received 52 Honorable Mentions for individual pieces: Maggie Coen, Ryan Defalco, Emily Doddridge, Mariah Dunham, Jackie Garza, Ansley Griffin, Karla Herrera, Kaylee Konze, Diego Lopez, Kailee Luschar, Kiana Martinez, Vanessa Martinez, Shannon Mick, Marissa Perez-Morris, Annelise Poor, Ali Sharp, Nathan Smothers, Jade Stotts, Haley Trost, Valerie Wamsley, Annika Wick, Raelin Wilson, and Chase Wixon. Six Honorable Mentions for eight-piece cohesive photography portfolios went to Jackie Garza, Karla Herrera, Kaylee Konze, Kailee Luschar, Diego Lopez, and Haley Trost. Seven Silver Keys for individual pieces went to Geovanny Arroyo, Ansley Griffin, Diego Lopez, Kailee Luscar, Vanessa Martinez – two pieces, Madalyn Nolan. Two Silver Keys for eight-piece cohesive photography portfolio went to Vanessa Martinez, and Ansley Griffin. Four Gold Keys for individual pieces, to be displayed at the Holland Project, went to Trevor Castillo – see photo, Ansley Griffin – see photo, Diego Lopez – see photo, and Omar Mora – see photo.

Patricia Ababio's graphic design students had Six Honorable Mentions for digital art that went to Giovanni Bonomo, Victor Clavel, Cameron Davis, Alana Jeffries, Petey Peterson, and Isela Rodriguez. Two Silver Keys for digital art went to Coral Rosas – see photo, and Daniel Lopez – see photo. Alisa Kuniya's ceramics’ student Kinsley Dagget won a Silver Key for ceramics and glass. All awarded work will be displayed in a slideshow at the Nevada Museum of Art until March.

Gold Key recipients' physical pieces will be displayed in an art show at the Holland Project in Reno; they will also move on to be entered into the National Competition for Scholastic Art Awards, and the Gold Key winners will also get to attend the awards show at the Nevada Museum of Art Feb. 22. For more information, contact CHS Photography Instructor Kara Ferrin at kferrin@carson.k12.nv.us.

REAL LIFE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP YIELDS MULTIPLE WINNERS
Vitality Dance Tour and Ms. Patricia Ababio’s Graphic Design III classes at CHS recently collaborated to create professional business logos for the dance company. Vitality is an upcoming dance company owned by Ryan Maw. Maw grew up in Carson City, but he moved to California at the age of 13 to pursue his dance career. The company Maw created will travel worldwide and provide opportunities for dancers to be trained from some of the most current dance professionals in the industry. Vitality Dance Tour was excited to collaborate with the Graphic Design III class on a real-world media production. The graphic design students produced numerous logos, and Maw chose the top three winners: 1st Place was Makayla Mueller, 2nd Place went to Garrett Wilson, and 3rd Place goes to Angel Navitidad. ~ Submitted by CHS Graphic Design teacher Patricia Ababio

WEEKEND ACT, SAT BOOT CAMPS, TESTING, AND COLLEGE INFORMATION
ACT and SAT Weekend Boot Camps have been taking place throughout the school year, and students who attend these camps see substantial improvement. There is no need to sign up as students simply need to bring their Chromebooks to the CHS Library after school. The classes go from 2:15 to 3:50 p.m. English test prep is Feb. 4, writing is Feb. 11, and Reading is Feb. 18. Math is Feb. 5, 12, and 19, and Science is Feb. 6, 13, and 20. For more information, please call CHS Language Arts Department Chair Cheryl Macy at 283-1660, or email her at cmacy@carson.k12.nv.us.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CLASS OF 2020 SENIOR PROJECTS
CHS Senior Projects for the class of 2020 are in full swing, and the Senior Project Committee is always looking for community members to volunteer to judge and review portfolios; reviewing takes place in April, and judging for presentation day is April 27. The Senior Project Spotlight this week is on the Sheriff’s Academy which meets each Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. from Jan. 8 through March 11 at the Carson City Sheriff’s Station, 911 East Musser Street. This is a great opportunity to get involved with the CHS Senior Project program in order to support graduating seniors. Please sign up to volunteer at chsseniorproject.weebly.com, contact Melisa Kunter at 283-1640, or email seniorproject@carson.k12.nv.us for more information.

GIVE NEW ZEALAND HONEY AND SKIN BALM AS A GIFT
American Literature, Journalism, and Yearbook adviser Patt Quinn-Davis said, “You may help the McKinney-Vento Students in Transition Program of Carson City Schools and purchase a gift; I have a supply of New Zealand organic honey and skin balm, and if you like both products, how about buying some for yourself also because products are $15 each, and all proceeds go to the McKinney-Vento Program.” Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, too, “So why not purchase some honey for your Honey?” Quinn-Davis added. She has everything in her classroom, 136, so come by to sample, and donate. Cash or checks are made out to CHS. For more information, please email her at pquinn@carson.k12.nv.us.

SOLUTIONS AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING PROGRAM AVAILABLE
Both struggling and non-struggling students have the opportunity to improve their scores and abilities in the on-campus after school tutoring program. Do not wait for a parent, teacher, or counselor’s phone call home to decide to improve grades and academic standing in all classes. The after school program not only provides skilled tutors but also provides snacks and bus rides home, so do not wait, advocate before it is too late.

NOT JUST FOR TEACHERS
The upcoming 2020 STEAM Conference is a free event in Reno. This year, the STEAM Conference is where Art and Tech collide. Nevada Museum of Art, in partnership with the Desert Research Institute’s Science Alive program, will host an annual statewide conference to explore best practices in STEAM Education.

The conference is the most important state-wide event for exploring ideas and strategies that incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math Education into pioneering classroom practices which foster student creativity through engaging, hands-on workshops and nationally recognized keynote speakers. The 2020 focus is on the ‘T’ in STEAM, highlighting, celebrating, and critiquing ways artists and interdisciplinary practitioners leverage new and emerging technologies to change the way people see the world.

Art about technology, art made with technology, and art made by technology all help to explore the human relationship to the increasingly digital and artificial world of the future. This event will take place at the Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W Liberty Street in Reno, Feb. 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Register at nvsteam.org. For questions, call Educational Programs Professional Instructional Support Representative Andrew Snyder at 775-687-5943, or email him at asnyder@doe.nv.gov.

UPCOMING ATHLETIC EVENTS AT CHS AND BEYOND
CHS is filled with the action of winter sports. The Carson community, and anyone for that matter, is always invited to come and support the CHS athletic teams and programs whether their games take place at CHS or occur elsewhere. Please see the photographs of the CHS Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball teams. Hopefully, these photos will prompt the kinda-wanna-go Carson City community members to some we-just-gotta-go supporters of the teams playing tonight in the CHS Big Gym. Regarding times, schedules, and locations, please go to carsonhigh.com and click ‘CHS Calendar’ on the left to find out dates, times, and locations of upcoming games.

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
CHS Athletic Department’s Athletes of the Week are Sarah Wiggins for Varsity Girls Ski Team and Joseph Summers for Varsity Boys Basketball. These athletes and all students who participate in school functions through leadership, clubs, and sports deserve a high level of recognition and congratulations.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
CHS is pleased to recognize Kenneth Fox as this week’s Senior in the Spotlight. Kenny is an excellent student with a GPA of 4.85 and is a three-time academic letter recipient. He will have completed eight AP classes at the time of graduation. Kenny is best known at CHS for the energy he exhibits as the head drum major for the Blue Thunder Marching Band. He has played percussion for many years and held both the position of percussion section leader as well as drumline section leader. He was a member of the Nevada State Honor Band his sophomore year. Kenny is exploring his interest in percussion composition as the topic for his Senior Project. He is composing a piece to be played by the CHS Wind Ensemble as part of their spring concert. In addition to the many hours Kenny devotes to the CHS Band, he also works 15 to 20 hours per week at Home Depot. Kenny plans to further his education at the University of Nevada, Reno. He is considering a degree in either mining or chemical engineering. He would like to play percussion in the UNR marching band. Everyone at CHS is proud of the contributions Kenny has made to CHS and the community and looks forward to the future accomplishments of this talented student. — Contributed by CHS counselor Susan Grunert

— Senator Square columnist Phil Brady is an English teacher at Carson High School in Carson City, Nev.

Top Stories

... or see all stories

GreenUP!, an environmental education non-profit working with local businesses, asks the community to support sustainable dining by bringing their appetites to Carson City Green Dining Restaurants while the banner flies now through Sunday, March 31.

Mark Twain Days Festival is back this year, May 10-12, with some big changes. Visit Carson City approached the Brewery Arts Center and asked them to partner for the planning of the second year of the festival, which is held in honor of Mark Twain, our region’s most famous writer.

These two photos by Nancy Sawyer, taken early Tuesday night over the Carson City sky, shows a magnificent array of rolling waves, like they were taken from pallette to canvas.

Spotted three birds, possibly turkey vultures or golden eagles, behind Buzzy's Ranch Road in Carson City early Wednesday. This is possibly part of a spring mating ritual. Bring your small pets inside.

Celebrating its Spring Fling Bunco fundraiser, Soroptimist International of Carson City will begin with a stuffed baked potato bar including bacon, butter, sour cream, broccoli and a side salad at 5:30pm. A no-host bar will be available. At 6:30pm the fun begins including prizes for top Bunco achievers.

United Federal Credit Union is expanding its footprint in Nevada. United opened a new branch in Minden on Monday, March 18, 2024. United has been operating in Nevada since 2009. The Minden branch is United’s ninth location in the state.

Looking for a place to take your little ones this week? Look no further! Here is a list of family-friendly (and fun!) activities and events happening this week around the capital city.

The Hangar Tavern is Carson City’s newest bar that offers casino gaming machines, which opened up shop about two months ago off Airport Road.

The airplane-themed business is split sectioned, with the tavern taking up space on one side, which includes several seating options and multiple flat screen televisions for watching sports, while gaming takes up the other half.

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation is granting local workforce boards $5 million to address barriers to employment.

The Carson City Symphony, conducted by Music Director David Bugli and Assistant Conductor Brian Fox, presents a concert, "We Got Rhythm," on Sunday, April 28, at 4 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E William Street in Carson City.

Carson Middle School English Teacher Rhonda Holloway, Seeliger Elementary Fourth Grade Teacher Toni Nielson and Mark Twain Fourth Grade Teachers Kylie Jensen and Alyson Haas were recent recipients of the “Apple Award” from the Delta Kappa Gamma NU Chapter in the total amount of $500. There were more than 14 total applicants. Delta Kappa Gamma is an educational organization of teachers who support other teachers.

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is investigating a battery which occurred at a Carson City bar on March 17, 2024. The Carson City Sheriff’s Office has obtained surveillance footage of the incident and is attempting to identify the suspect in the pictures above.

On Tuesday, March 26, at approximately 7 a.m., the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and East Fork Fire responded to the 900 block of Arrowhead Drive in the Gardnerville Ranchos for a report of an unconscious individual lying on the side of the road.

Another early spring storm system will move into the Carson City area and surrounding counties Wednesday bringing gusty winds, valley rain and mountain snow to the region, according to the National Weather Service.

A saturation event was organized last week by the Lyon County Sheriff's Office, Office of Traffic Safety, and Sheriff's Traffic Enforcement Team to improve traffic safety in the Mound House area.

Women's Drum Circles for all levels, or no experience, of drumming continue this Saturday, March 30, beginning at 10 a.m. at Dark Willow Emporium in Carson City. With fun, creativity and supportive community, the HealthRhythms protocol offers evidence-based improvement in well-being and empowerment.

According to Redfin, home prices in Nevada were up 9.7 percent year-over-year in February 2024. At the same time, the number of homes for sale in the state fell by 20.8 percent. While home prices are on the rise, the supply of homes for sale is not meeting demand, creating what is considered a “tight” housing market across the Silver State.

Each year, the Chamber’s Leadership Institute class embraces a class project to enhance the quality of life within our community. Some of the projects have supported the needs of our charitable nonprofits while others have benefitted the citizens-at-large through public enhancements within the cemetery, on public trails, senior center, library, children’s museum and more.

Shovels turned Monday in Carson City at a ceremony to launch the beginning of construction for a new $18.4 million fire station and emergency operations center.

Inde the Belgian Malinois dock diving dog of Carson City is ready to make a big splash again, this time in a national favorite pet competition.

The Carson High School Senators ski team wrapped up its 2024 campaign by qualifying for state and sending two to compete at nationals. Thomas Callister and Madalyn Lind Smith represented CHS at nationals as members of the Tahoe Basin race team. As a team, both boys and girls took first place at the Western USA Championships at Mammoth on March 14-15.

Hello fellow anglers. I wanted to pass along some information I received from Tiffany Ellis who is one of the chairpersons on the Douglas County Kids Fishing Derby committee. The Kids’ Fishing Derby is to return in June 2024 as reimagined callback to previous years.

With continued interest and a growing community throughout the Carson City area since having launched a year ago, Connections Social Gatherings bring locals together every week for story sharing, conversation and inspiration.

The Capital City Community Band awarded its Carson City Community, Richard Doede Scholarship to Zach Carpenter at its Salute To Young Musicians concert on Sunday.

Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team members, the Nevada Division of Forestry and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, will continue burning piles on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe this week, conditions and weather permitting.

In the Truckee Community Recreation Center, Heather and Michael Llewellyn hosted an extensive exhibition about the health of our forests in "FOREST FIRE." In this video, they give us a tour of the show and include vital information about our forests and adjacent ecosystems.

A 53-year-old woman was arrested Saturday for suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery, DUI and reckless driving, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Sam Sedillo, Fisheries Biologist for The Nevada Department of Wildlife in Washoe and Storey counties, will be the guest speaker at the next Rotary Club of Carson City meeting. The public is invited to attend the meeting which takes place March 26th at noon in the Brewery Arts Center’s Grand Ballroom.

State funding for free school meals including breakfast and lunch will end May 30, 2024. In an effort to support student meals in school, the Carson City School District Food and Nutrition Services department is asking parents and families to apply for free and reduced meals (educational benefits).

My first visit to a dentist here in the Lake Tahoe Village of Incline, was to see the intrepid Doctor Cherry away back in 1983. I had heard that he was very good at his craft, and that he sometimes practiced pulling teeth on iron rakes.